Copper River Lodge

The Copper River Lodge is the state’s most intimate lodge.

It is an old rustic cabin style building with a very homey feel, excellent guides, and some of the finest cuisine we have sampled. The fishing program is based on fishing the Copper River via jet boat during the majority of your stay. With that said, several other systems might be fished during your week including the Gibralter River, but these side trips are conditionally ependant. While the Copper is fished daily by a number of other lodges in the area, the Vermillion’s operation has the distinct advantage of being able to stay out on the water after the other operators have flown home. They also have a home stream advantage and know the water, especially the seldom seen upper river, better than anyone in Alaska.

Their package price includes seven days guided fishing, float plane flight to and from Iliamna, icenses, flies, and tax but does not cover gratuities or alcohol. Their season extends from June 8 through early October. Spaces are limited so be sure to plan you trip in advance.

The Copper River Lodge Fishing:

The Copper River is a classic trout stream packed with long dry fly glides, deep winding pools studded with boulders, faster riffles, and deep undercut banks just begging for a mouse fly. Unlike other tundra rivers in Alaska that offer large trout, the Copper runs through a scenic river valley lined with groves of cottonwood, spruce, and birch. Aside from helping make it one of the most gorgeous rivers in the state, these trees offer fly fishermen refuge from the relentless northern winds. Probably one of the nicest surprises for anglers visiting the Copper is the river’s size and wadeability. Fishermen of any age or skill that desire the solitude of the river rather than the tutelage of the guide can comfortably and successfully fish on their own. The Copper River Rainbows are some of the largest in Alaska, and are the reason the Copper was the first river in the state designated a “fly fishing, catch and release only, trophy rainbow river.” It is this designation that has kept the fishing so spectacular.

The Copper River Lodge Travel:

You will need to make your travel arrangements to Anchorage and also from Anchorage to Iliamna. Most guests prefer to overnight in Anchorage and then take the 7:30 AM flight to Iliamna. The 15 min charters between Iliamna and the lodge are with Iliamna Air Taxi. These flights are included in the lodge package. Upon arrival at Iliamna you will need to approach the flight counter and tell them you are with Copper River Lodge and they will take care of you.

When flying home at the end of the week, you should arrive back in Anchorage at around 6:25 PM Sunday evening.

Included:

All meals, accommodations, guiding, float plane transportation between Iliamna and the Lodge, fishing licenses, flies, Local and State Taxes.